NEW DELHI: India's premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin isn't part of India's preliminary squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. However, Ashwin remains optimistic about securing a spot among the 15-member squad representing India in the quest for the coveted trophy. India's journey in the 2023 World Cup will commence on October 8 in Chennai against Australia.
The unfortunate injury to all-rounder Axar Patel has created a potential vacancy, and Ashwin is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to claim that position should Axar fail to recover in time for the mega tournament.
India captain Rohit Sharma has also voiced his support for Ashwin's inclusion, stating that Ashwin is "very much in line" to make the World Cup squad.
1/10:1st ODI: India batters shine against Australia after Shami fifer
PTI
2/10:India beat Australia
<p>India's young openers ensured an easy five-wicket win over Australia after pacer Mohammed Shami took five wickets to restrict visitors at 276 in the first ODI in Mohali on Friday. </p>TNN
3/10:Mohammed Shami
<p>Shami gave India the perfect start by dismissing dangerous Mitchell Marsh in the first over after KL Rahul won the toss and chose to field first. </p>TNN
4/10:The veterans
<p>Opener David Warner and Steve Smith stabilised the Australian innings after Marsh's wicket with a 94-run stand before Warner fell to Ravindra Jadeja. </p>AP
5/10:Shami gets Smith
<p>Smith fell soon after to leave visitors struggling at 112-3, and R Ashwin removed a well-set Marnus Labuschagne (39). </p>AP
6/10:Key partnership
<p>A passing shower briefly disrupted play before a key partnership between Josh Inglis (45) and Marcus Stoinis (29) began to take the initiative. </p>Getty Images
7/10:Shami 5-51
<p>But Shami returned to remove Stoinis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott and finish with 5-51. </p>TNN
8/10:Opening stand
<p>India lost four quick wickets, including openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (71) and Shubman Gill (74), after their 142-run opening stand. </p>AFP
9/10:Adam Zampa
<p>Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa removed both openers to finish his spell with 2-57. </p>AP
10/10:Shubman Gill
<p>After Gaikwad's wicket at 142, India also lost Shreyas Iyer (3), Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan (18) to slip to 185-4. </p>APBefore the first ODI against Australia on Friday, Ashwin's last appearance in an ODI for India was in January 2022, during a match against South Africa.
Following India's convincing 5-wicket victory over Australia in Mohali, Ashwin, who claimed the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne while conceding 47 runs in his allotted 10 overs, was spotted engaging in batting practice.
A video capturing this moment was shared by a user on social media after the match had concluded in Mohali.
"How cool is that?” former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar said on camera.
“He (Ashwin) is batting right in the centre, he’s got a net out. And that’s where the support staff really works hard. It’s past 10, it’s late and they are still going. He’s got Rahul Dravid at square leg, Vikram Rathour at slips, Mark Waugh at fine leg, so it’s a terrific part of the preparation. I’m sure the management has told him to work on his batting.”
During an interview on bcci.tv, Ashwin had admitted that the ODI series against Australia ODIs is a ‘big opportunity’ for him.
“It’s a great opportunity for me. I have always said over the last 3-4 years that it’s not about what I want to achieve in these opportunities. I just want to enjoy myself, give myself the best chance. When I went back from West Indies, I took a break, played a few club games. The team management has kept me in loop and told me to just stay ready whenever there is a chance. I was just touching base with my fitness. Started bowling a few sessions,” Ashwin said.
“I want to bring something different to the table so I have been working on some angles because one-day cricket is not just about spin anymore. It’s more about the angles, the usage of the crease, its depth. I’m trying to put myself in a zone of discomfort, to try and push barriers as always because for me what comes first is the pride of my performance and what best abilities and talent I can showcase,” he added.
